New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW INDICATION

GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, (888) 825-5249, has received another indication for Coreg (carvedilol). The beta-blocker, which had already been approved for the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure, is now indicated also for the treatment of severe heart failure.

The FDA has granted Hill Dermaceuticals, Sanford, Fla., (800) 344-5707, a new indication for Derma-Smoothe/FS Atopic Pak. The low-potency corticosteroid treatment system is now approved for use in children as young as two years of age. According to the company, the product has been proven safe and effective for treatment of atopic dermatitis with widespread (over 50% of the body) involvement. Previously, the product had been approved for use in adults with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis of the scalp. The 4-oz. bottle of medicated Derma-Smoothe/FS Topical Oil softens and soothes irritated, broken skin; the 8-oz. bottle of nonmedicated Moisturizing Vehicle helps prevent flare-ups.

OTC

ScienceBased Health, Corte Madera, Calif., (888) 433-4726, a developer of nutraceuticals for eye health, has introduced a reformulated version of its MaculaRx Plus nutritional supplement. The product is designed to help preserve macular health by providing a combination of nutrients examined by the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The study demonstrated that patients taking supplementary antioxidants with zinc had a better chance of retaining macular health than patients taking either supplement alone. MaculaRx Plus provides a blend of antioxidants (vitamins C and E and beta-carotene), zinc, copper, selenium, and 15 mg of lutein (which was not examined in the AREDS study, but which is believed to play a role in maintaining eye health).

A new treatment designed to help combat snoring is available from the makers of SnoreStop homeopathic tablets. SnoreStop Extinguisher, from Green Pharmaceuticals, Thousand Oaks, Calif., (800) 337-4835, is a clinically tested aerosol that is sprayed into the mouth to stop or reduce the symptoms of snoring. The product contains one part per 10,000 of nux vomica; one part per million each of belladonna, ephedra, Hydrastis canadensis, Kali bichromicum, and Teucrium marum; and one part per trillion of Histaminum hydrochloricum.

Fort Washngton, Pa.- based McNeil Consumer Healthcare, (215) 273-7000, is offering the first over-the-counter line of dye-free liquid pain relievers, fever reducers, and cold medicines developed for dye-sensitive or -allergic children. Children's Motrin nonstaining dye-free products contain no gluten or casein. A range of formulas is available to treat children from six months to 11 years of age. The products are effective for up to eight hours.

Schiff, Salt Lake City, (801) 975-5000, is introducing a complete line of Schiff ImmunoLin products this winter. The products are designed to supplement a person's natural level of immunoglobulins and help boost the immune system. The new line contains nutrients as well as the active ingredient ImmunoLin, a proprietary ingredient from the protein science company Proliant. ImmunoLin has been engineered to provide purified immunoglobulins. The product line includes Extra Strength Drink Mixes and Daily Support Tablets. Schiff ImmunoLin Extra Strength Daytime drink mix combines 1,000 mg of IgG with vitamin C and echinacea. The Nighttime mix also includes melatonin for added sleep support. Each dose of the Daily Support Tablets contains 500 mg of IgG as well as vitamin C, echinacea, and andrographis.

Home Health Care

New from Maddak Inc., Pequannock, N.J., (973) 628-7600, is an ergonomically designed device that can be used as either a foot or leg rest. The Ableware Soft Touch Tuffet allows users to elevate legs and feet, reducing back and knee strain. Between uses, it can be stored between the swingaway supports of a wheelchair or underneath a desk. The Tuffet, weighing only 6 lbs., is made of a "soft-touch" plastic that can be adjusted for firmness by means of a recessed air valve. It comes in a neutral taupe color.

Available from Roche Diabetes Care, Indianapolis, (800) 428-5076, is the Accu-Chek Compact Meter, the newest member in the Accu-Chek line of blood glucose meters. Among the product's major features is a drum technology that automates a strip-handling process with self-contained strips, calibrates the meter, and enables the test strips to be dispensed from a drum of 17 tests with the touch of a button. In addition, the Accu-Chek Compact Meter requires only 3.5 µL of capillary blood and delivers results within 15 seconds. It also offers other features, such as underdosing detection and built-in strip quality control to help ensure safety and accuracy. An infrared data port that can download data into Accu-Chek data management systems, computers, and other data storage devices via modem to healthcare providers is part of the system as well.

A new mechanical device is now available from Quantum Inc., Eugene, Ore., (800) 448-1448. MagiComb, with fine stainless-steel teeth, is designed both to treat and help prevent head lice without the use of chemicals. Its vibrating action is designed to wipe out lice as well as the nits that they lay.

Health & Beauty Care

A new skin-refining treatment, the latest in a line of hypoallergenic products designed to help improve uneven skin tone and texture, has been introduced by the French firm RoC. Retinol Actif PurSkin Refining Treatment combines active vitamin A and vitamin E, to help reduce wrinkles; and UVA and UVB sunscreens, to help protect against the damaging effects of sun exposure. The suggested retail price for the treatment is $18. Pharmacies can order RoC products through their normal distributors.

Procter & Gamble Cosmetics, Hunt Valley, Md., (800) 4COVER4, has developed a solid emulsion makeup foundation that combines skin-enhancing ingredients with SPF-15 sun protection. New Cover Girl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth affords the leading benefits of liquid and powder foundation in a convenient compact. Upon contact with the skin, the foundation transforms from solid to liquid to a long-lasting demi-matte powder finish in a matter of seconds. Because the oil-free, oil-absorbing formula contains less than 3% wax, it allows for touch-ups over the course of a day without makeup build-up. The product contains a vitamin complex of B₃, B₅, and E, as well as broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The new foundation comes in 15 shades to accommodate a broad range of skin tones.

Etc.

Carb Solutions High Protein Bars, nutritional supplements formulated for dieters watching their carbohydrate intake, are now available in three new flavors—frosted blueberry, chocolate cappucino crisp, and chocolate mint. Other already existing options include peanut butter and grape jelly, chocolate fudge almond, chocolate toffee hazelnut, and creamy chocolate peanut butter. The bars contain more than 20 grams of protein, vitamins, and minerals to help in the management of carbohydrate intake. The Carb Solutions line of products, manufactured by Rexall Sundown and distributed by Richardson Labs, Boca Raton, Fla., 888-776-5383, includes ready-to-drink beverages and high-protein shake mixes.

ZonePerfect Nutrition Co., Boston, (617) 423-1080, has developed three new snack chips with 450% more protein, 40% less fat, 20% fewer calories, and 30% fewer carbohydrates than regular potato and corn chips. The all-natural chips, which contain 14 grams of soy protein in each 1.5-oz. serving, come in three flavors—spicy pizza, lemon garlic, and nacho cheese. These new ZonePerfect Snack Chips will join other products in the ZonePerfect line, including ZonePerfect nutrition bars, nutrition meals, nutrition drinks, puddings, baking mixes, shake mixes, and vitamins. All ZonePerfect Nutrition Program products contain the same 40%/30%/30% ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and dietary fat.

A new walk-in biocontainment and clean air biological safety cabinet, designed for large robotic liquid handling systems and high throughput screening applications, is now available from The Baker Co., Sanford, Maine, (800) 992-2537. The BioPROtect II is especially useful in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical process applications in which Class 100 air is essential and protection from aerosolized biological hazards associated with the new robotic liquid handling systems is required.

Health Care Logistics, Circleville, Ohio, is offering Medicine Cards, which can be distributed with medication during rounds. Available in a range of colors, the cards have a preprinted area for recording patient and medication information. For additional details, call (800) 848-1633.

 

Barbara Klink. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2001;23:63.